Time-controlled electric switch



Saarr-:h Room Aug. 2l, 1945.

L.. H. BRUNE EIAL TIME-CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH .Filed Feb. 3, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 2l, 1945. L. H. BRUNE l-:rAL

-CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH TIIE Filed Feb. 3, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 SENSE l :d 0. 25o: :una:

mko-kus kwLL IN VEN TORS MliCHAllM Patented Aug. 21, 1945 Search Room TIlVIE-CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH Lennart H. Brune, Rochester, and Edward J.

Ries, Brighton, N. Y., assignors to Ritter Company, Inc., Rochester, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application February 3, 1944, Serial No. 520,866

8 Claims.

This invention relates to time-controlled electric switches, such as employed, for example, in controlling the circuits governing the period of exposure of X-ray film, one object of the invention being to provide an improved switch mechanism of such character, having a self-contained construction in which the tables or scales cornmonly referred to, in obtaining a proper setting of the mechanism for particular conditions, are unitarly embodied in the instrument itself in the form of conveniently adjustable dials, by the relative setting of which the proper timing of the exposure period is automatically accomplished.

Another object is the provision of such a mechanism having a simple, compact, and efficient type of construction, capable of being readily manufactured and arranged for quick and convenient manipulation in use.

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features `being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a face View of a portion of an instrument embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a central, sectional elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, face view of portions of the timing mechanism detached;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the parts in different positions in course of operation;

Fig. 5 is a face view similar to Fig. 3, but showing the gearing and other parts of the timing mechanism;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, face view of the setting dials and scales prior to setting, and

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but showing the parts set to position for controlling an exposure.

The invention is disclosed, in the present instance, by way of illustration, as embodied in a mechanism which is an improvement upon that disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 1,547,442, granted July 28, 1925, to O. H. Pieper et al., and in an embodiment particularly adapted for dental X-ray work and preferably of the portable type adapted to be held in the hand of the dentist during use.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the present embodiment preferably comprises a hollow casing, indicated generally at I0 (Figs. 2 and 4), including a back portion Il, cylindrical side Walls I2, and a front or face portion occupied by the setting dials hereafter described. The above casing is mainly occupied by the timing mechanism, while the switch parts mainly occupy a hollow handle portion I3, threadedly connected as at I4 with one side of the main casing portion I0.

'I'he timing mechanism is mainly contained in and supported by a frame, indicated generally at I5, comprising front and back plates, I6 and Il, between which the mechanism is supported. Such mechanism may be of any known or suitable character, comprising, in the present instance, a mainspring barrel I8 (Figs. 2 and 5) on which is a gear I9 meshing with a pinion 20 fixed on a rotary spindle 2I. Fixed on the spindle also is a gear 22 driving a pinion 22a on the spindle of a ratchet wheel coacting with a ratchet forming part of a suitable gear train for driving a spindle 23 carrying a fan governor 24, substantially as disclosed in said patent and as well understood in the art. The spindle 23 projects beyond plate Il for engagement by a leaf spring 25 on plate Il. Spring 25 is tensioned to move normally into braking engagement with the end of spindle 23 and is loosely connected with a second leaf spring 26 on plate Il by a bolt 2l. Spring 26 normally allows spring 25 to hold spindle 23 against rotation, as shown in Fig. 2, but spring 26 may be moved, by means hereafter described, to move spring 25 to free the spindle, as shown in Fig. 4.

It will be apparent from the above construction that spindle 2I may be rotated counterclockwise through a variable angle to a predetermined position, thereby tensioning the mainspring of the timing mechanism, being held in such position by the braking action of the spring 25, until released by means hereafter described, after which the spindle rotates back to initial position through a time period proportional to the angle through which it is moved in setting.

The mc ans for releasing spindle 2I, for return in a clockwise direction to initial position, comprises, pxeferably, a plunger 28 (Figs. 2 and 4) sliding longitudinally in guide openings in plates I 6 and I1 in position to bear at its rear end against the extended end of spring 26. Pivotally mounted on the plunger at 29 is a lever 30 urged in a clockwise direction by a coiled spring 3|. One arm of the lever has an inclined cam face 32, for engagement by a dog 33 fixed radially on spindle 2| as the latter returns to initial position. The other arm 34 of the lever has a finger 35 arranged to normally engage beneath one arm 36 of a pivoted lever 31, the other arm of which 38 'rounding the spindle 2|.

operates the switch mechanism as hereafter described.

The forward end of plunger 28 is arranged below and in the path of movement of a spring arm 39 having one end pivoted on frame I5 and carrying at its other or free end a push button 40 projecting through a slot 4| in the front of the casing between the dials and the handle. By depressing button 40, plunger 28 is ,depressed to move springs 25 and 26 to release the gearing and spindle 2| for return of the latter, after a setting, to initial position. Button 48 may be held depressed with the thumb or finger of a hand holding the instrument handle |3, or it may be secured in depressed position by depressing and moving it laterally so that its shank 42 enters and is held in the angularly turned end 43 of slot 4|.

Means are provided for releasing the button shank from the retaining portion 43 of the slot comprising a pin 44, projecting from arm 39 into the path of movement of dog 33, so that as the latter moves lever 30 to release and open the switch, it also strikes pin 44 and pivots the spring arm 39 to release the button shank and the arm and release plunger 28, under the pressure of spring 26, to stop the gearing as the parts return to initial position.

The switch means in the handle is operated by end 38 of lever 31, which is pivoted at 45 on a post 46 fixed on plate I6 of the gearing frame. 'Ihe lever end bears on an insulating surface on a spring clip 41 of electrically conducting material, fixed by screws, including a binding post 48, on a plate 49 of insulating material, which is fixed by screws, as shown, on plate I6. Clip 41 carries on its opposite side a contact 50 arranged, when the clip is depressed by lever end 38, to engage a contact on a conducting spring clip 52, fixed by screws on plate 49. Clip 52 carries a contact 53, arranged to engage a contact 54 on the end of a binding post 55 on plate 49. When lever end 38 is moved by depressing button 40, it rst closes contacts 50 and 5| and then depresses clip 52 to close contacts 53 and 54, and vice versa when lever 31 is released. For the purpose of making and breaking the circuit through a suitable resistance (not shown), as well understood in the art, such resistance is connected to contact 5| and the circuits to be controlled are connected with the binding posts 48 and 55. a lug 56 for engagement with plate |6 to stop the movement of the lever in switch releasing direction.

As indicated by the above construction, with the switch contacts in the open position shown in Fig. 2, and with the spindle 2| set to a selected position for timing the operation, depression of button 40 depresses plunger 28, as shown in Fig. 4, starts the running of the time mechanism, and, by means of levers 30 and 31, closes the switch contacts. As the gearing returns to initial position, dog 33 trips lever 30 to release lever 31 and open the switch contacts, and also releases the button 40, if latched in depressed position. The same result may be accomplished at any time by releasing button 48 manually, instead of automatically by means of the timing mechanism.

The means for selectively setting the timing mechanism for predetermining the period of exposure, comprises a combination of scales and dials mounted in a self-contained manner on the face of the casing I0. Fixed on and closing the circular front end of the casing is a plate 51, Fig. 4, carrying a cylindrical sleeve 58 loosely sur- Fixed on and supported Lever 31 has by plate 51, as by means of sleeve 58 and screws 58, is a stationary dial plate 60, Figs. 4, 6, and 1, on which is marked a scale 6| graduated, as shown, to indicate different ages of subjects to be photographed. This xed scale is visible through an arcuate opening 62 in the dial 63 rotatably mounted on sleeve 58, within an annular spacing and guiding ring 64 fixed on plate 51 by screws 58. Means is provided for rotating dial 63 comprising, preferably, an extension 65 of the dial plate, through a slot 66 in the casing, to serve as a handle for adjusting the dial, the ring 64 being broken away at one side to clear the path of movement of handle 65.

Dial member 63 is preferably provided with two series of markings or scales, one of which, 61, is graduated and marked to indicate a. range of the different sizes of jaws normally encountered in patients to be photographed, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. This size scale is arranged adjacent and concentrically with lthe age scale 6| fixed on the casing, so that by rotating dial 63 by means of handle 65, a selected size of jaw may be quickly registered with a selected age, as shown in Fig. '1, where a large jaw size is registered with the age group "5U-'75 years.

Dial member 63 is preferably provided with another series of markings, or scale 68, graduated and marked to indicate the different teeth or teeth locations in the jaw, as shown. Adjustment of dial 63 for age and size, as described above, effects a double adjustment of scale 68 of dental locations, so as to adjust its position to compensate for variations in both age and size of the subject, by a single settling of handle 65.

The means for variably setting the timing mechanism to positions predetermined by the setting of the above dials and scales comprises, preferably, a second movable dial member 68 of glass, Lucite, or other suitable transparent material, fixed on the outer end of spindle 2|, as by means of a metal hub 18, keyed to the spindle, as shown. Member 68 is marked with indicating means, such as the arrow 1|, arranged to be moved, by rotary adjustment of the member, into registry with one of the graduations of the scale 68 of dental locations, in any position to which the latter is adjusted, as described above. Thus, in Fig, '1, member 69 has been rotated to position its indicating arrow 1| in registry with the graduation of scale 68 marked posterior bite-wings," in the adjusted position of the latter corresponding with a large jaw and the age "5D-75 years. Member 68 preferably projects at its periphery somewhat beyond the cylindrical wall |2 of the casing and is knurled, or notched, as at 12, so that it may be conveniently rotated by hand to effect the described adjustment. The duration of the selected period of exposure is preferably indicated in seconds, marked on a scale 13, on a ring 14, surrounding the dial member 63 and fixed in place by the screws 59, so that the actual duration of the selected period in seconds may also be known. The farther member 69 is set from initial position, of course, the longer its rotary return movement and the longer the period of exposure of the X-ray film. Member 68 comes to rest slightly beyond the zero graduation of scale 13, to insure some initial tension of the Inainspringy as well as actuating motion of the parts at the zero position.

The use of the device with different X-ray films having different speeds may require diil'erent spacing of the graduations on one or more of the dials, which may be readily provided for by sup- MtGHAlllclvl,

plying` with the instrument a set of dials having graduations spaced to correspond with the speed of the particular film with which the instrument is intended to be used. If subsequently used with a film of different speed, one or both of the dials 6U and 63 may be removed and replaced by a suitably graduated dial or dials, by removing dial 69 from its frictional engagement with the spindle 2 I, and removing screws 59.

It is evident from the above description that the invention provides a self-contained instrument in which the various data to be referred to, for determining an exposure period, are all assembled and combined in a unitary, concentric indicating device. The several indicating means are all displayed in clearly legible size and visible arrangement. so as to be quickly and conveniently set to required position, after which the adjusting button 40 is operated by the thumb or finger of the same hand in which the instrument is held. The several parts are simple in construction and compactly arranged and adapted to be readily and economically manufactured.

It will thus be seen that the invention accomplishes its objects, and while it has been herein disclosed by detailed reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that such disclosure is intended in an illustrative, rather than a limiting sense, as it is contemplated that various modifications and changes in the construction and arrangement of the parts will readily occur to those skilled in the art, within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A time-controlled switch mechanism for X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a part adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the film, indicating means on said casing, a member provided with indicating means and mounted for movement on said casing to selectively set the indicating means thereof relative to said indicating means on said casing, a second member provided with indicating means and mounted for movement on said casing to selectively set the indicating means thereof relative to said indicating means on the rst mentioned member, and a connection between said second member and said part for setting said part to effect an exposure period predetermined by the setting of said members.

2. A time-controlled switch mechanism for X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a part adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the lm, indicating means on said casing, a member provided with a plurality of series of indicating markings and mounted for movement on said casing to set a selected marking of one of said series relative to said indicating means of said casing, and a second member provided with indicating means and movable on said casing to selectively set said indicating means thereof relative to a selected marking of the other of said series of the rst mentioned member, and a connection between said second member and said part for setting said part to effect an exposure period predetermined by the settings of said members.

3. A time-controlled switch mechanism for X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a part adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the nlm, a series of indicating markings on said casing, a member provided with indicating means and with a series of indicating markings and movable to set said indicating means thereof relative to a selective marking of said series on said casing, a second member provided with indicating means and movable to set said indicating means thereof relative to the selected marking of said series of the rst mentioned member, and a connection between said second member and said part for setting said part to effect an exposure period predetermined by said settings of said members.

4. A time-controlled switch mechanism for X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a rotary part adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the film, a series of indicating markings on said casing, a member provided with a plurality of series of indicating markings and movable on said casing to set a selected marking of one of said series in registry with a selected marking of said series on said casing, a second member provided with indicating means and movable to set said indicating means thereof in registry with a selected marking of another series of the first mentioned member, and a connection between said second member and said part for setting said part to effect an exposure period predetermined by the settings of said members.

5. A time-controlled switch mechanism for X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a rotary part on said mechanism adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the lm, indicating means on said casing, a member provided with indicating means and mounted for movement on said casing to selectively set the indicating means thereof relative to said indicating means on said casing, and a dial overlying said casing and member and constructed of transparent material through which the indicating means of said casing and member are visible, said dial being provided with indicating means and being xed to and rotatable with said part for selectively setting the indicating means of said dial relative to the indicating means of said member and for concurrently setting said part to effect an exposure period predetermined by the settings of said member and dial.

6. A time-controlled switch mechanism for X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a rotary part adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the film, a series of indicating markings on said casing, a member provided with a plurality of series of indicating markings and movable on said casing to set a selected marking of one of said series in registry with a selected marking of said series on said casing, a circular dial overlying said casing and-member and constructed of transparent material through which said markings of said casing and member are visible, said dial being provided with indicating means and being xed to and rotatable with said part for selectively setting the indicating means of said dial relative to said markings of another series of said member and for concurrently setting said part to eifect an exposure period predetermined by the settings of said member and dial.

7. A time-controlled switch mechanism for dental X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a rotary part adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the film, a scale on said casing indicating ages of subjects to be photographed, a member provided with a scale of subject sizes and with a scale of dental parts to be photographed, said member being movable on said casing to set a selected scale size in registry with a selected age on said casing scale, a second member provided with indicating means and rotatable to set said indicating means thereof in registry with a selected dental part of the scale of said member, and a connection between said second member and said part for setting said part to effect an exposure period predetermined by the settings of said members.

8. A time-controlled switch mechanism for dental X-ray apparatus comprising a casing for said mechanism, a rotary part on said mechanism adapted to be variably set to position for controlling the operation of said switch to govern the period of exposure of the lm, a scale on said casing indicating the ages of subjects to be photographed, a member provided with a scale indicating subject sizes and with a scale indicating dental parts to be photographed, said member being mounted for movement on said casing to set a selected size of the scale thereof in registry with a selected age of said casing scale, and a dial overlying said casing and member and constructed of transparent material through which the scales of said casing and member are visible, said dial being provided with indicating means and being xed to and rotatable with said part for selectively setting the indicating means of said dial in registry with a selected dental part of the scale of said member and for concurrently setting said part to effect an exposure period predetermined by the settings of said member and dial.

LENNART H. BRUNE. EDWARD J. RIES. 

